Home Alarm Companies

Status
Not open for further replies.

DAGTA

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
8,172
1
0
I'm looking to put an alarm system in and would like to hear experiences and details of various companies, including monthly rates and quality of the coverage and system.

Thanks!
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,245
13,513
146
We had ADT for 3 years. Free install of equipment, $29.95/mo for the 2 year contract...then they started raising the rates.

Along came a salesman selling Monitronics systems...virtually identical to ours, so instead of the basic equipment install, we got a ton of upgrades to our existing system. $34.99/mo (which was $5/mo cheaper than the increased ADT rate) so we took that deal. Our 3 year contract is up and we're waiting for yet another sales rep to come wandering the neighborhood offering us MORE upgrades...:D

As for the two companies...I actually liked ADT's customer service better, BUT, part of why we changed when we did is because of a change in the local alarm law. Now the alarm system has to have "2-way voice" and a confirmed alarm event for the cops to respond. "Oh no sir, everything is fine. I made a mistake," sez the lady with a gun pointed at her head. :roll:

Monitronics seems a bit less responsive to customer service issues than ADT was, their reps (Dallas call center) seem like they really don't give a shit.
BUT, when that alarm goes off...they're on the 2-way immediately wanting to know if everything is ok. NO complaints about that part of the service.
 

DaveJ

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,337
1
81
I have a system from InGrid and it works well. The sensors are all wireless so installation is simple. Aside from screwups on my part I haven't had any issues with the system. Monitoring is $20/mo if you do it yourself, $30/mo if you have them monitor it as well. I like the system because I can check my alarm status from the web, and it will email me anytime there's a problem. Both the console and backup console (cordless phone) are battery-backed so everything stays up during a power outage, which is nice.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
There is a really good forum at homesecuritystore.com for this...they have a 8.95 monitoring site they mention a lot there.
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
0
I have nothing to help with but I do have a alarm question also.

I bought a house that has a alarm already but it looks like it's probably never been set up or if it was I have no way to operate it and no clue what the alarm code would be.

Since the previous owners were foreclosed on its not like I can just asked them what the code was.

That being said, whats the best way to get this reprogrammed so I can just have it make noise but not have it tied to a monitoring service?

I'd also like to get another control pad put in the master bedroom since currently the only control pad is on the wall that leads into the attached garage.

Would a alarm company do all that for me even if I had no desire or even ability (don't have a house phone) to use their monitoring service?

Are there sites out there that could tell me how to reprogram the code at least so I could "arm it" when I'm out of town?
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,245
13,513
146
lokiju, it'd really depend on what brand of alarm it was...and who it's connected to. (even if the service isn't active)

As for the installation and such...if you aren't a customer, I doubt they'll help you. There ARE alarm service/installation companies that might however, check your local phone book and give them a call. Most are independently owned and do work on contract for the big alarm companies.

What good is an alarm system that's not monitored? Sure, it'll make some noise, and that MIGHT scare off a burglar, but then again, it might NOT.

Same for the "self-monitored" systems that Dave linked to above.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
126
OP, look here.

http://www.alarmsystemstore.com/

If you're even marginally handy, you could do a totally wireless system. These folks include installation and tech support in their prices. I've dealt with them in the recent past and they are very good to work with. This is a very competitive business and I found that pricing is extremely close among resellers.

The $8.95 a month for monitoring linked above is about the best deal out there. I signed up with an outfit in CA for a similar price and they have raised my rates only slightly in nearly four years with them.

lokiju, look here.

http://www.diyalarmforum.com/

I've found this forum very helpful.

I agree wholeheartedly with BoomerD as far as monitoring/not monitoring goes. I am saving more on my homeowners insurance with a monitored alarm that I pay for monitoring. It puts money in my pocket to have my alarm monitored. YMMV

Current day alarm systems will notify a central station if you have a fire and they will summon the fire department. If there is a break-in they will summon only the police. Keypad panels have panic buttons for Fire, Police and Ambulance. The central station knows which is pressed and summons the appropriate persons. The point being that there are very real advantages to have a monitored versus unmonitored alarm IMO.

If you want a monitored alarm and have VOIP, do your homework.
 

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
16,240
7
76
Install your own and save the monthly fee. Most of the new systems can dial your cell phone if there is an alarm or will call the fire/police department when needed.



If you really want to get out cheap place alarm system stickers on the windows and doors as well as the lawn. 20/20 did a study and it really does work as a deterrent.

 

SandEagle

Lifer
Aug 4, 2007
16,809
13
0
i'm interested in a home security system too. I have VOIP which may not be a good choice for some of these systems even though they have some workarounds for it. I may have to get a basic land line just for the alarm
 

DAGTA

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
8,172
1
0
I went ahead and spent the money on an installed system. I figure it will add value to the house anyway.
 

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
16,240
7
76
Originally posted by: SandEagle
i'm interested in a home security system too. I have VOIP which may not be a good choice for some of these systems even though they have some workarounds for it. I may have to get a basic land line just for the alarm

Some have cell phone support for calling out.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.